Training others in family history has always been an essential aspect of The Family History Guide. The embedded Learning System  of Projects, Goals, Choices, and Steps makes it easier to learn and teach concepts.

As we have thought of ways to help family history trainers on a more formal basis, three programs have evolved:

• Regional Trainers were assigned to cover geographic areas for training opportunities with The Family History Guide. Some good results were achieved with this program, but it eventually proved too difficult to maintain on a volunteer basis.
• The Certified Trainers program replaced Regional Trainers. To become a Certified Trainer you accumulate a minimum number of hours training others with The Family History Guide and then pass a qualifying test. You can learn more here.
• The Volunteer Instructor Program (VIP) is the latest training program. Volunteer Instructors are not required to pass a test or having prior teaching experience with The Family History Guide. All Certified Trainers are now automatically part of the VIP.

About the VIP

Volunteer Instructors are not paid; they provide training with The Family History Guide as a public service. The Family History Guide Association supports them by providing training resources and highlighting teaching opportunities. Volunteer Instructors are encouraged to share feedback on their trainings and presentations with the Association and with other VI’s.

In addition to the Instructor role, a Support role is also available for VIP members. In the Support role, members work to identify opportunities for Instructors to present sessions.

Training Opportunities

Our Volunteer Instructors are currently looking into presentations for genealogy societies, family history centers, libraries, etc. These can include an Introduction to The Family History Guide or classes about nearly any topic in family history, using The Family History Guide.

Facebook Group and Video

We have created a new Facebook Group for the VIP. If you are interested in joining with us in the VIP, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/2649786165311659 and fill out the membership survey.

The Family History Guide Association had its kickoff meeting for the new VIP on Saturday, April 10. The meeting was recorded, and you can watch the proceedings on our YouTube Channel or in the link below.